When coming up with a top plays list, there will be some moments that are not necessarily plays, but instead, they are moments that are so important that they cannot be ignored. One of those moments occurred on Thursday, September 20, 2011, when Mississippi State hosted South Carolina in the first major college football game since the terrorist attacks on September 11.
As someone in college at that time, the events of 9/11 and the subsequent events will forever be etched in my mind. While I do not remember all of the details of the game, I do remember some of the thoughts and feelings before the game. It felt a bit strange to be able to cheer something again. I remember conversations about would terrorists try to do something at that game. One poignant memory was that of a fan yelling "go to Hell Bin Laden," instead of the customary "go to Hell Ole Miss," a cheer that I believe was not used on that day.
The sight of both teams standing around a giant flag before the game symbolized the unity felt in the nation at the time, and one has to feel that the nation healed a little bit more that night when it realized that yes, the game could still go on.
Yes, South Carolina won that game, but in a way, we all won by that game being played. Does the moment really belong at No. 58? I have no idea, but I can't think of any better day than July 4 to feature this moment.